AC leak causing mold in wall: DIY or call professional?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our villa in Jumeirah seems to be leaking into the wall of my son's bedroom, and now there’s a large black speckled patch spreading behind his wardrobe. We only spotted it when we moved the furniture to clean, and it’s been really humid lately which I’m sure isn’t helping. Is this something I can tackle myself with bleach and a scrub, or do I need to call in a professional mold remediation company here in Dubai?
Posted by Megan Wright
Asked on April 15, 2026 8:05 am
A significant black mold patch from an AC leak inside a wall cavity is not a DIY project. The visible speckles are likely just the surface manifestation; the main colony is growing unseen within the wall, fed by constant moisture from the leak. Bleach is ineffective on porous materials like drywall and concrete block, as it only bleaches the surface without killing the root structure.

In Dubai's high humidity, this situation will rapidly worsen. The first step is to stop the moisture source. You must have an AC technician repair the leak immediately. For the mold, professional assessment is strongly advised. Remediation involves isolating the area, removing the contaminated porous materials (the section of wall), HEPA vacuuming, and treating the cavity with antimicrobial solutions to prevent regrowth.

Attempting to scrub it can aerosolize a high concentration of spores throughout the room, potentially affecting your son's health. Given the location in a bedroom and the extent of hidden damage likely present, a certified remediation company can ensure it is handled safely and completely. Look for providers who offer before-and-after testing to verify the spore count has been returned to normal levels.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 17, 2026 8:57 am